The Iraqi government renewed its commitment to imposing state monopoly over weapons, while some factions continue to resist the move, saying it targets the “arms of the resistance.” In televised remarks, government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said: “Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's government has set as a priority Iraq’s sovereignty and security and imposing state monopoly over arms.” “Iraq is a sovereign nation and its higher authority is not subject to foreign and internal dictates,” he stressed, in reference to the debate over armed factions, some of which are affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) that is tied to the state, and others that operate under the banner of so-called “resistance”. Deputy Commander of Joint Operations Qais al-Mohammedawi, who is also head of the committee tasked with limiting the possession of arms to the state, said the efforts cover factions connected to the PMF. He denied claims that the efforts will target other groups, saying the authorities are focused on ending possession of weapons that are tied to religious or political affiliations. The process will take time, he said in statements to the press. He also revealed that authorities busted attacks against neighboring countries, declaring that Iraq will not act as a platform for assaults on others. He did not offer more details. Meanwhile, President Nizar Amedi hailed the factions that chose to hand over their weapons and to cooperate with the authorities over this file. Speaking at an economic forum in Sulaimaniyah city in the Kurdistan region, he added that efforts are ongoing to reach understandings over the disarmament of factions. These moves bolster security and stability and will help in building and construction, he added. “Stability is no longer a domestic target, but a main condition for local, regional and international development,” he stated. He underlined the need for “practical and productive dialogue” to address challenges and limit mounting dangers. “Iraq must not allow current challenges to hinder its ambitions for development and prosperity,” Amedi urged. Resistance The official stances over disarmament have been repeatedly met with defiance from the Kataib Hezbollah and al-Nujaba movement that are staunchly pro-Iran. The movement said the efforts “target the weapons of the resistance and PMF.” Head of its executive council Nazem al-Saeedi said from Najaf city that any serious discussions about the weapons “must be comprehensive and subject to unified standards that are applied to all parties without exception.” He warned that the current demands about the weapons may later extend to the abilities of the security and military institutions, expressing concern over the “politicization of the PMF and involving it in the political power-sharing system,” which may impact its role and standing. Head of the al-Nujaba movement Akram al-Kaabi had claimed on Wednesday that disarmament efforts are being “directly driven by Israel” and the US Charge d’Affaires in Iraq. The Kataib Hezbollah, meanwhile, said it will not lay down its weapons and that tackling this issue will be possible after its goals are met. Kataib security official Abu al-Mujahid al-Assaf warned of attempts to stoke strife over the disarmament efforts. On the other side of the divide, Sunni clerics welcomed the government’s drive to impose state monopoly over weapons. During Friday sermons, they hoped the move would achieve stability, security, peace and coexistence in Iraq. There can be no security so long as several parties carry weapons, while others do not, they added.
